Inclusion: The Connectivity with Diversity

However this also raises a philosophical question Are there instances where the two concepts aren39t coupled and put in practice together For example can a company be diverse but not inclusive Furthermore is there a gap that exists between the terms that we need to examine more closelyTo answer this question I paused and asked myself What does inclusion really mean Are we really doing enough individually and collectively to be inclusiveFirst I had to define the word of the yearIn my humble opinion inclusion is about having a fair voice For instance while my views may be different I know my opinions will be considered alongside others39 perspectives Feeling included in the workplace means that my unique stance was shared and heard More specifically it gives me assurance that my input was melded morphed or it served as a catalyst to seed other ideas that helped shape a broader perspectiveThere39s also the human element of inclusion at the end of the day we all want to feel respected acknowledged and seen This personal sentiment allowed me to be introspective on my individual upbringing and 20yearplus career journeyFrom a personal standpoint I grew up in Singapore a multiracial and multicultural country As children we looked forward to festivals Ramadan Chinese New Year Deepavali and Christmas We visited each other39s homes dressed in traditional outfits and partook in meals and treats specially prepared for the holidays I was truly raised in a diverse melting pot where everyone39s unique backgrounds were celebrated Flash forward to my life now I have lived in New York City for several years It39s not lost on me I39ve picked places to live that celebrate diverse roots viewpoints and culturesAs I think about my work environment over the last two and a half decades I realize how I39ve subconsciously been drawn to companies where it39s clear different opinions are encouraged and celebrated It is at these places where I39ve felt a part of a broader community that embraces my uniqueness while also sharing a common vision or purposeTake for instance my most current employer Northwestern Mutual A Fortune 100 company whose mission is noble and purposedriven to provide Americans with financial security so they can be relieved from financial anxiety At Day 100 after assuming the role of CMO I39ve felt right at home within Northwestern Mutual in both the Milwaukee and New York City campuses This is because the company practices what it preaches when it comes to diversity equity and inclusion DEampampIThis past fall Northwestern Mutual hosted a women39s summit organized thoughtfully and intentionally by one of the eight different employee resource groups within the company that are all volunteer based In addition to featuring women speakers from inside and outside the organization the conference was supported by its allies many of them men and the various vendors that were selected represented womenowned businessesWhen it comes to the business side a sense of inclusion is also palpable within both the physical and virtual walls of the company One of my favorite phrases frequently used at Northwestern Mutual is quotcocreationquot I truly believe quotcocreationquot embodies the sentiment of inclusion When it comes down to it we39re a business that relies heavily on collaboration respect for each other and a commitment to do the right thing for our policyholders Take for instance our more than 7500 financial advisors throughout the US that cocreate solutions for our clients in order to provide financial security Our advisors take the time to understand unique life situations diverse economic backgrounds cultural proclivities toward spending and saving and different levels of financial literacy Without cocreation solutions will not be shaped to reflect the unique needs or challenges of our clients Ultimately our goal is to drive action through trust conviction and ultimately adoption Cocreation is in many ways the manifestation of inclusion at its highest levelAnd within Marketing cocreation is something we live and breathe every day I always say marketing comes down to both the quotart and sciencequot Taking a step back marketing is such a robust field to be in For example you have the creativity of a visual designer combined with a numbersdriven data strategist and a program manager who coordinates all the various taskflows Within my team we39re coming together with different skillsets and competencies to solve a problem together It39s imperative that opinions are heard and representedFinally as I think about the word of the year I believe it39s critical that diversity and inclusion be interconnected While there is certainly a lot to unpack with both these words I would encourage more companies ask themselves Are we really doing enough to be both diverse and inclusiveThis article was written by Lynn Teo pictured at top Chief Marketing Officer of Northwestern MutualClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNet

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